Six lawyers admitted to the bar

Hard work, perseverance and good character can lead to success in Samoa’s legal profession.

Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu, said this yesterday at the admission of six new lawyers to the bar.

“From today and everyday here after, each of you will be known and deserves to be known as a lawyer. It is as a lawyer that you will from now onwards present yourself to the public. It is what you do with your God-given talent that will define you as a lawyer. To become a truly accomplished lawyer requires hard work, perseverance and good character and I emphasize to your good character. You will also find that to be truly effective in the practice of the law requires continuous study of the law,” he said, in a ceremony witnessed by families, friends and colleagues.

Quentin Sauaga of Vaiusu admitted to the bar yesterday as a barrister and solicitor. Photo/Misiona Simo

Urging the newly admitted lawyers to take pride in their work, the Chief Justice said they should strive to set and maintain high standards and added that the country needs high quality lawyers.

“I also ask all of you to take pride in the quality of your legal work so that you will always strive to achieve and maintain the highest standards even if you fall short of those standards some times. I do not expect you to become top quality lawyers overnight after your admission to the bar. Rome as some said was not built in a day. But I would like to see each of you make a genuine attempt to become top quality lawyers. Our country needs top quality lawyers to serve its people.”

Giving the new lawyers an insight into life in the courtroom, the Chief Justice said the life of a lawyer can be challenging and demanding, which can lead to mistakes being made.

“Should you decide to practice at the bar, you will find that life can be challenging and demanding at times. However, it is never boring because no court cases are ever exactly the same. In fact, life at the bar can be interesting, stimulating and rewarding. Also try to avoid making mistakes in your practice of the law but if you do make mistakes sometimes because it is only human to learn, do not allow yourself to become dishearten or demoralized.”